Most new TVs are smart TVs, so you probably have one at home unlike slot machines that can only be found at casinos. While you’re probably using it to play games on your console or view movies or shows on your preferred streaming platform, TV channel, or cable subscription, did you know it can do so much more?
Below are the apps that every smart TV should install right away.
- Steam Link
One of the reasons you buy a huge TV is to watch games on it. However, not everyone has a gaming console, particularly those who transitioned from console to PC gaming or grew up with a gaming PC and have never owned a console. While you can always install your gaming desktop or laptop in your living room and play your games there, it isn’t always the greatest spot for your PC.
So, if you want to play games on a big screen but don’t want to transfer your gaming PC, you should download Steam Link for your TV. While Steam Link is most commonly used to play Steam Games on a smartphone, it may also be used to play games on a smart TV or access websites like https://multyshades.com/. But if you intend to do so, we recommend attaching a Bluetooth controller or using a wireless keyboard and mouse configuration, as playing games with a remote controller is nearly impossible.
While you will need a strong internet connection to play your games with Steam Link, you can use it instead of spending hundreds of dollars on a console to enjoy gaming on your smart TV.
- VLC for Android
Most of us consume our entertainment through streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or YouTube. However, there may be instances when you prefer to watch videos that you own than those from a streaming service. If this is the case, you should install VLC for Android on your TV.
VLC can access video and music files saved elsewhere, such as your local network or an FTP server, in addition to playing videos loaded into your smart TV. It also allows you to play music files locally. So, if you have music and videos on a USB or external drive and want to watch them on your TV, you should download and install VLC for Android.
- Google Meet
Although nothing beats meeting your family and friends in person, it is not always possible. The next best option is to contact them over a video conference on your smart TV. The larger screen will make you appreciate seeing them more than if you were forced to use your smartphone or tablet’s little display.
To use this effectively, you’ll need a smart TV with a microphone and camera. If your television does not have one built-in, you can connect a USB webcam and use Google Meet to call your family and friends.
- Apple Tv App
If you do not own an iPhone or another Apple device, you are unlikely to consider subscribing to Apple TV Plus. This is especially true since the Apple TV app is not available for Android phones, tablets, or Chromebooks. While Apple kept its streaming platform app unique to iOS and iPadOS, it recognized that Apple TV had a modest market share compared to Android or Google TV, thus it made the Apple TV app available on rival smart TV platforms.
This is one of the many compelling reasons to subscribe to Apple TV+, even if you don’t own an Apple device. Installing the Apple TV app allows you to watch numerous amazing Apple TV+ exclusives, including For All Mankind, Ted Lasso, Severance, and Greyhound. If you intend to install the app on your TV, you should also consider these Apple TV+ tips and techniques to make the most of it.
- Spotify / YouTube Music
Although Bluetooth speakers are wonderful for parties, did you know you can add Spotify or YouTube Music to your smart TV? When having a party, you can just turn on your TV and begin playing music directly from it rather than relying solely on your phone.
This will allow you to set the tone for your gathering without having to fool around with your equipment. If you build a budget home theater in your home, you can use your system’s superior speakers to play music.
Using your smart TV to play music will also help you bring life into your house, even if you’re alone. For example, if you’re cooking and viewing a video recipe on your tablet, you can play Spotify or YouTube Music in the background without interfering with the video.
